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Exploring communication technology behaviour of Singapore’s adolescents with cerebral palsy
Author
Nadia Natasha Mohamed Rasid
Supervisor
Nonis, Karen P.
Abstract
Communication among adolescents with cerebral palsy can be restricted with traditional Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. These restrictions are coupled with environmental and social barriers. Communication technology devices, on the other hand provide an alternative platform through social media sites and mobile chat applications.
The research question is:
How do communication behaviours of adolescents with cerebral palsy change when using communication technology devices?
In this study, nine adolescents with cerebral palsy (N = 9, Males = 7 and Females = 2, Age = 14 – 18 years) were recruited from a special school in Singapore. The participants were verbal with good hand and finger control which enabled them to access Smartphones, laptops, computers and computer tablets. A modified interview questionnaire (Lund & Light, 2007) was administered to determine if communication technology devices changed communication behaviours among adolescents with cerebral palsy. This study adopted a qualitative approach. Data analysis was done by open and axial coding through a computer- aided qualitative data analysis software, HyperRESEARCH. Overall, four core categories emerged from the data analysis: Desire and ability to communicate, Navigation of devices, Online self disclosure and Devices and applications. The results showed that the desire and ability to communicate coupled with the ability to navigate the communication technology devices to access social media sites and mobile chat applications increased the opportunities to communicate within the participants. The devices used to enable communication were less significant as compared to the ability to socialize. The results showed that adolescents with cerebral palsy do use social media and mobile chat applications to stay in touch with peers and family for school-related purposes and personal reasons.
In summary, there has been little published data on the communication behaviours of adolescents with cerebral palsy in Singapore using communication technology devices. The results from this study will enable educators and parents to understand how communication through the use of communication devices can expand the social network of adolescents with cerebral palsy.
The research question is:
How do communication behaviours of adolescents with cerebral palsy change when using communication technology devices?
In this study, nine adolescents with cerebral palsy (N = 9, Males = 7 and Females = 2, Age = 14 – 18 years) were recruited from a special school in Singapore. The participants were verbal with good hand and finger control which enabled them to access Smartphones, laptops, computers and computer tablets. A modified interview questionnaire (Lund & Light, 2007) was administered to determine if communication technology devices changed communication behaviours among adolescents with cerebral palsy. This study adopted a qualitative approach. Data analysis was done by open and axial coding through a computer- aided qualitative data analysis software, HyperRESEARCH. Overall, four core categories emerged from the data analysis: Desire and ability to communicate, Navigation of devices, Online self disclosure and Devices and applications. The results showed that the desire and ability to communicate coupled with the ability to navigate the communication technology devices to access social media sites and mobile chat applications increased the opportunities to communicate within the participants. The devices used to enable communication were less significant as compared to the ability to socialize. The results showed that adolescents with cerebral palsy do use social media and mobile chat applications to stay in touch with peers and family for school-related purposes and personal reasons.
In summary, there has been little published data on the communication behaviours of adolescents with cerebral palsy in Singapore using communication technology devices. The results from this study will enable educators and parents to understand how communication through the use of communication devices can expand the social network of adolescents with cerebral palsy.
Date Issued
2014
Call Number
RJ496.C4 Nad
Date Submitted
2014